Dynamic Load of the Tank Container with Sandwich Components

The presented research is focused on a proposal to improve a tank container structure by introducing sandwich components in the bottom to reduce its load while transported by rail. This solution will help to reduce loads by means of the energy-absorbing material included in the sandwich components. The proposed improvement is substantiated with mathematical modeling of the dynamic load of the tank container. It is found that the use of sandwich components in its structure can reduce the dynamic load by 12 to 18%, depending on the characteristics of the energy-absorbing material. This study also includes computer modeling of the dynamic load on the tank container, which makes it possible to identify the acceleration distribution fields acting on the tank container, and to determine their numerical values. The mathematical model of the dynamic load of the tank container is verified. Fisher’s exact test was used. The coefficient of determination was 0.81. The calculation was performed within the confidence interval from −0.95 to +0.95. It is found that the hypothesis of the adequacy for the model is not rejected. The study also includes a modal analysis of the tank container. The results of the modal analysis revealed that the safe operation of the tank container during transportation is ensured, as the first eigenfrequency is 13.8 Hz. The achieved results can be used for developing modern tank container designs.